I have owned this piece for about 8 years. Prior to my ownership a close family friend of mine had it in their family for many years. I do not know the history of the piece but I can tell a few details. Inside the chest there are two names penciled in possibly "Thrasher" as the last name and it says "1810" (see picture)...?

I believe it to be a blanket chest maybe a marriage chest....but I maybe way off.

Measures: 35-3/4" wide X 16" deep (front to back) and 29" tall.

Please fill me in if you know more than I do......... Please ask any all questions and I will respond right back. Thanks

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Comments

scottvez, 4 years agoGREAT furniture--I would call it a blanket chest.

It appears to be pine. The fine cracking to the surface shows it has some age. The front skirting and pulls would suggest late 18th/ early 19th century. Additionally, the large hinges (which replaced smaller hinges) suggest the same era.

The construction techniques would make me think that it was a much later piece than 1810:
- the "pinned" front (typical construction would be dovetailing at joints)
- no dovetailed sides
- the trim on the sides of the top
- left side piece (next to drawer) protrudes beyond the top and bottom

It could have been made from an earlier piece with damage or earlier wood/ brasses.

Photos of the drawer may help. Can you add some photos of the drawer sides to show if they are dovetailed? A photo of the drawer bottom and the back of the pulls (to see how they are attached) would also be useful.

Such great information! Thank you. I have include a link at the top of the description for additional pictures of the blanket chest. Interestingly, there is a paper label which looks to be originally from something else in my opinion, which would support your thought on it being made from older wood that was repurposed...
Check out the additional pics!

I looked at your photos and #4 is the most telling. It shows three different interior pieces with completely different age-- the side piece with residue of white paint (similar to drawer back), the back piece that is almost black and the section above the drawer (with the scratches) that is a light brownish color.

Were it original 19th century, I would expect a consistent/ similar patina for these pieces (esp. the front and side which would be the same wood).

I am confident that it was created in the early 20th century and made to resemble an early American piece.

scott

Joey40202, 4 years agoInteresting. Glad to have someone with such great depth of knowledge is willing to help out. What a cool story behind this piece. Did you see the partial paper label on the back of the drawer? It partly says "ridgerator" something " ..ufactured by.....Y & Sons" "established Dec. 6, 1879". It's always fun to learn from someone with more knowledge than yourself. Thanks Scott!!!!!